Creating the perfect Scandinavian interior is simple.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
What are the characteristics of the perfect Scandinavian Room?
The simplicity and practicality of Scandinavian interior design are well known. Open and airy spaces, flooded with natural light, and using minimalist design to create a warm and inviting sanctuary from the cold and long Scandinavian winters.
Scandinavian design originated in the northern countries, and its physical characteristics influence its design. It is frequently thought of as cold and austere. It is often welcoming and inviting, relying on homey natural materials, such as solid wood flooring and natural sheepskins used as flooring rugs or throws.
We'll be going over some methods to make your home look Scandinavian in this guide. Here are a few quick gimmicks to make sure your friends are jealous of your home!
What are the Scandinavian countries?
Scandinavia, traditionally, refers to a group of Northern European Countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, today this has extended to Finland, Iceland, and even Greenland.
The roots of Scandinavian design.
The world has been swept away by the hygge decor and Scandinavian interior design styles, which have been celebrated in some of the most renowned design publications and blogs, in recent years. As a design movement that started in the 1950s, this trend emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, as well as an appreciation for craftsmanship and understated elegance in the home.
Blox Copper rug
What is Hygge
Hygge, pronounced "hoo gah", is a traditional Danish word and is best described as a feeling of comfort, safety, warmth, and a cosy atmosphere that “promotes wellbeing.” Hygge style comes from doing simple things such as spending time at home with your family, baking, relaxing in a calm space.
The design of Scandinavia originated with the modernism movement of the mid-20th century. The Bauhaus movement inspired it, and it became an iconic symbol of “rebellion.”
Scandinavian design is renowned for its innovative use of contrasting elements. The carefully balanced juxtaposition of smooth and rough, soft, and hard, shiny, and worn, light, and dark, old, and new, and curved and linear geometry. These elements, alone and combined are crucial to the success of the iconic Scandinavian look.
1. Select a colour scheme to choose from.
Scandinavian design is renowned for its colour scheme. Whites, greys, blacks, and browns are often combined to produce a clean and soothing visual effect.
Scandinavian interiors, however, typically do not employ a variety of colours. The colour white is common in Scandinavian interiors, and occasionally a single accent colour is also employed. Designers have also developed other pop colours like dusty pink and deep marine blues for added emphasis.
When striving for Scandinavian living's squeaky-clean modernity, white palettes and minimalism are critical.
2. It's important to light the Space.
In winter, Scandinavian lighting is crucial to the Scandinavian design. There is rarely more than seven hours of daylight. Because of this, the way lighting is utilised is critical. In Scandinavian interiors, many different types of lighting are used to establish moods and ensure that every area is adequately lit. The lighting is usually contemporary and industrial in style.
Photo Credit: My Scandinavian Home
The Scandinavian interior must also be lit with candles. Candles provide ambiance and adornment to a space, and they may also provide gentle lighting and pleasant aromas like fresh linen or fruit scents.
Scandinavian interiors often rely on lamps to provide light, since there is little natural light. The plain, monochromatic lamps are a powerful addition to any room, as they not only look fantastic but also serve a practical purpose.
Photo Credit: Homes and Gardens
3. It's essential to decorate the walls.
Even though Scandinavian interiors are known for their simplicity, no home would appear 'normal' without decoration. If you've selected a white interior with an accent colour, you may try matching paintings or artwork.
A Scandinavian interior that makes use of the colour white may incorporate black and white paintings, posters, and wall hangings. If they're black and white, they'll contribute a touch of elegance to finish off the room.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Aesthetic monochrome photography, such as in the image above, oozes sophistication with an edgy vibe.
4. Add rustic elements to your compositions.
Many distinct types of Nordic design are available, ranging from rustic woodworking and soft furnishings to the sleek lines of mid-century furniture. Scandinavian interiors are devoid of contemporary furniture. The modern furniture is often associated with Scandinavian furniture, as the traditional Scandi style combined functional design, sleek clean lined furniture with natural raw wood finishes. Character is added to a room by using furniture that looks rustic but isn't too old.
Image Credit: Studio 210
It's also economical because you don't have to purchase all brand-new furniture for the room if you use rustic furniture. Using rustic furniture doesn't make the setup of a room overly complicated, so the simplicity of the interior is preserved.
Scandinavian interiors are both restful and contemporary, thanks to their use of rustic elements and occasional splashes of colour. The look's appeal lies in its versatility. It may be used to create a maritime theme, a rustic cabin, or an industrial design with a mod flavour.
This photograph illustrates how a simple wooden chair adds a caring touch to a mostly white setting.
5. A rug can transform any space.
In Sweden, wall to wall carpets were never really a popular choice, and most Scandinavian interiors have wooden floors in all rooms except the bathroom. Flooring has traditionally been hardwood, and it is often left in its natural colour or painted white. This expands the space and allows light to enter.
A rug can really liven up any room, whether it is on the floor or on the wall, as the photograph below demonstrates. A Scandinavian interior benefits from this approach.
Rugs serve as a cosy addition to any room as well as an attractive look. They also help keep the room warm. Traditional Rya rugs of the late 1960s and early 1970s and hand knotted Oriental rugs suit this style as with other textiles these types of rugs can add texture, colour and warmth. They are perfectly suited to the more relaxed Scandinavian décor
6. Keep it cosy.
It's not surprising that textiles such as sheepskins, wool, and mohair throws, or soft cotton are part of the decor in cold climate countries. Not only do they provide a sense of warmth and comfort, but they also add another layer of texture to the space.
Having a lot of cushions in the living room is essential if you want to create the perfect Scandinavian interior. Even if your sofa or couch is already comfortable, it adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the room as well as making any potential guests feel welcome.
Even the fussiest couch-dweller would be charmed by this room after adding some cosy cushions, blankets and a soft neutral colour scheme.
7. Reduce the number of accessories.
The biggest thing you notice when walking into a Scandinavian home is how simple everything is. Having sophisticated art and paintings is terrific. However, you should not overdo it. A single bookcase and a coffee table are all the furniture required (besides the necessities, such as a sofa). Finish your room with carefully selected house plants or a vase of fresh flowers, to complete the look.
Lagom in the Swedish language means not too much, not too little, the right amount, and is a philosophy that aims to balance, in every area and juncture of everyday life. Lagom is the secret that explains a lifestyle based on social awareness, moderation, and sustainability.
Having said that, you must ensure to include living elements of colour and beauty in your Scandinavian interior design. Nature is a big part of the Scandinavian ideology, so why would you want to exclude it?
There's an emphasis on making Scandinavian interiors functional and clutter-free in terms of storage and decor. “Less is more” is a mantra that guides decor choices, resulting in visually clean lines and relaxing spaces.
Remember to tend to your fireplace.
Living rooms in Scandinavia have an original fire, as the winters there are harsher than in the UK. Instead of British fireplaces, which are usually the focal point of a large room, these fireplaces are often simple columns in the corner.
Image Credit: Pinterest
During the winter months, days have around 7 hours of daylight, so there is not much natural warmth. Besides providing light, the sun is a fine source of heat. With only 7 hours of sunlight a day, there will be little natural warmth. Fires are therefore necessary.
A fireplace contributes to the warmth of a Scandinavian interior, particularly a room painted all in white. A fireplace helps to compensate for the cold impression created by a room painted all in white by adding warmth.
Clothing can be used as a decoration.
Wardrobes and drawers are often the places where clothing is stored in an average interior, but in a Scandinavian interior design, clothes racks are frequently seen. Clothing racks are an economical, functional addition to any home, and they are also a stylish one
Photo Credit: House Beautiful
A picture, clock, or wall art
There's no doubt that a Scandinavian interior is unlike any other. Why would you want to settle for a regular clock or calendar when decorating? There's no need to rely on looking at the time on your iPhone screen or ask Siri for the date if you have a large, visual calendar/clock on the wall! Furthermore, something like that would make an excellent conversation starter for new visitors.
Photo Credit: My Deco
Black and white photography, botanical prints look amazing in an all-white dining room, white living room or as above in this kitchen, with minimal modern décor and natural materials.
Scandinavian Designers
Scandinavian design flourished in the mid 20th century, the designers of the day produced some of the most influential pieces of architecture, furniture, and household objects of the time. Influenced by the German Bauhaus school, using new industrial technologies, combined with ideas of simplicity and functionalism. Many of the iconic designs made in this period are still in use and production today. Below are just a few of the famous names that led the way in groundbreaking Scandinavian design.
Hans Wegner
The Iconic Wishbone Chairs by Hans Wegner
Photo Credit: Carl Hensen
Considered one of the most innovative, creative, and prolific furniture designers of his era. Wegner created over five hundred iconic pieces of furniture in his lifetime, designed in the 1950's the Wishbone Chair above is still in production today and considered a stalwart of the Scandinavian kitchen. Considered ahead of its time, Wegner designed the CHO7 or Shell Chair in 1963 and it remains as relevant and contemporary today. A classic piece for the finest Scandinavian living rooms.
The CH07 Shell Chair by Hans Wegner
Arne Jacobsen
Just as famous for his architectural work as he was his furniture design, Arne Jacobsen was educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and later returned as a professor to teach a fresh generation of brilliant Scandinavian artists. The Series 7 Chair was among his best-selling creations, the seat and backrest were produced from a single piece of bent plywood in 1955 for manufacturer Fritz Hansen. The model is still available today.
Series 7 Style Side Chair by Arne Jacobsen
Kai Kristiansen
Kai Kristiansen was born in Denmark in 1929, a key designer of the 20th century. In 1948 he enrolled in the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under the guidance of renowned designer Kaare Klint. At the age of only twenty-six, Kristiansen opened his own studio and started making furniture in what would soon become known as the modern Danish style. He is best known for his sleek and geometric Mid-Century Modern cabinets, tables, and dining chairs.
wall unit by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik 1950s
Photo Credit: Vintage
Designate a tech-free zone.
It's common for Scandinavian interiors to be so well liked nowadays, thanks to their simplicity. It can, at times, be overwhelming to be constantly connected to everything and everyone through technology and social media. Why not create an environment free of technology? A location where you can relax and unwind without distractions, such as mobile phones, televisions, computers, or everyday stresses, or an environment where outside factors are not an issue?
Having a private chill out area might be tricky to establish, but we have published an article about that! If you'd like to learn how to create a comfortable, cosy interior chill out space.
It's good to have an inner-outer space.
Swedes have a strong connection with nature. Since you either don't have a balcony or cannot use it, how can you take advantage of the daylight? By creating an 'Inside Out room.
Photo Credit: My Scandinavian Home
An inside-outside room usually includes large windows or some other method of integrating nature and sunshine into a space. You don't need window blinds in an inside-outside space; all you need are curtains or a roller that you can pull down when it's nighttime. Don't overlook the importance of nature and natural light; they may alter your frame of mind!
Photo Credit: Snow on the Oaks
Conclusion
Here at Rugstore NE we believe a Scandinavian interior is one of the most beautiful, and simplistic homes you can live in. We hope that we have inspired you to discover the love of Scandi style and provided you with tips and tricks on how you can create your own Scandinavian style home.
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